Post Pregnancy Body Image And How To Rock It!

When a woman carries a baby, her body inevitable changes and post pregnancy body image is something that surely every single mum has contemplated as she looks at herself in the mirror in the days, weeks and months after giving birth.
I’ve carried two babies to term in two years, so it’s safe to say that my body has been through a lot and it’s not the same as the one that donned a wedding dress just a month before falling pregnant with Toby. That’s okay though.

I won’t pretend that I’ve not had moments of insecurity, but when it comes to it I know that my extra bit of tummy, my veiny chest, my swollen eyes and thinned hair are there for a reason; If I didn’t have them, we would have our babies.

Within a fortnight of having Martha I was asked my plans for losing the baby weight.

My plans at that point involved eating whatever I could get my hands on between Martha’s feeds and Toby’s craziness. My plans involved giving myself a major high five whenever I managed to have a shower and get dressed. My plans did not involve weight loss. I had shed 8 1/2 pounds of baby plus water and a placenta a mere two weeks previously, that’s enough for now.

8lb 8oz of perfection (And the placenta!)

It infuriates me that some people feel that it’s okay to say things like that and if you read my Top 10 Things Not To Say To New Parents post then you’ll see that I’m not alone. Too many new mums receive too many comments about their weight or shape and it’s not on.

So, when certain people in society are putting pressure on you, how do you rock you post pregnancy body? Simple, you own it! If someone mentions weight loss or exercise, you mention what a miracle your body achieved. You mention that you’re currently nurturing that miracle, you’re raising an actual human, you freaking rock!

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t eat sensibly, that you should never leave the comfort of the sofa, that you shouldn’t strive to achieve a certain size or weight if you want to. Just don’t do it because someone has made you feel like crap and don’t do it before you’re ready.

I’m a size 8 naturally and I won’t pretend that I’ve experienced frequent weight gain and loss, that I’ve tried a bunch of diets or that I’ve struggled with my weight because I haven’t. Don’t let that make you think that I’ve never had insecurities though, because I have. I’m currently finding my more-wobbly-than-usual belly a mixture of amusing and awful, I am dreading the hair loss that left me with small bald patches and a weird tiny fringe last time, I’m frequenting Boots to analyse the various eye revitalising roll ons and creams available and I’ve had some rather unpleasant post-pregnancy health stuff that makes me feel less than attractive!

I stand by an article I wrote last year about how your size is not the deciding factor on your role as a ‘real mum’. We’re all real mums and whatever shape and size we are, we have all got bits we don’t entirely like and our bodies have all been through some major changes and traumas to grow our babies within them. That’s what is important here, you are a mum! Your beautiful child is a testament to what your amazing body has achieved so don’t knock the home that kept your baby safe for 9 (ish) months.

My Body: One year ago, one month ago and today

I like being the size I was a year ago because that’s my natural size and the one at which I look best. That, for me, is how to rock your post pregnancy body – be your natural best. Be whatever your body is when you eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise of whatever form suits you and just take care of yourself. To me, taking care of yourself does include treats, I don’t believe in restricting yourself unnecessarily and I wholeheartedly believe that happiness involves looking after yourself as much as you look after others. I wrote about it over in the collaborative blog I’m involved in – The Lifestyle Log.

If you have post pregnancy body image woes then have a think about what sensible and realistic steps you can make to feel better about it. Think about SMART goals and do what you need to do, but don’t let anyone shame you, don’t lose sight of what a wonderful thing your body has done and do feel pride in yourself. Because you rock Mama!

Have you experienced body image shaming since having children? How do you feel about your post pregnancy body image? Let me know in the comments below or get in touch on Facebook or Twitter.

Comments (27)

I was in hospital for 2 weeks after an emergency section went badly wrong so I got a lot of comments because I had lost over 2 stone in that time! It was strange hearing people telling me to put the weight back on.

I think coming to terms with your post-baby body is something all mothers struggle with, i know i did, i still do now to be honest. But i’ve also learnt to accept my flaws and love every stretchmark, curve and wobbly bit because they’re all signs of the two beautiful boys i grew in there. xxx

I think I was my own worst enemy about losing weight after my pregnancies! It was hardest with the third- I think because he didn’t sleep and therefore nor did I, and I was constantly craving sugar to stay awake! To be honest, I don’t remember getting comments about losing the baby weight, maybe I ignored them or maybe I gave out a ‘don’t even think about mentioning my weight or I’ll kill you’ kind of aura!! xx

I too carried 2 babies in 2 years and yes my body won’t be the same again. I too am ok with that. Yes, I now fit in my pre-pregnancy clothes, but I still have wobbly bits. I think what has suffered the most is my hair, which is really thin, breaks easily and just doesn’t feel soft. I think that affects my confidence the most, as I can’t wear a baggy top to cover it X

You look great! I gave birth to T almost six years ago and still haven’t really gotten rid of all the weight I gained when I got pregnant with her. Then again, could also be age 😉 But like you said “own it”. As long as we don’t have any issues with it, it’s really no ones business but ours x

What a lovely post Hannah, this is what I needed to read, cause after 4 months since having my second baby my physical appearance has been quite a challenge, not even say weight loss, which for me is frustrating, because I was overweight before getting pregnant T_T..
But that is so true, finding the right balance for everything in your life is the best way.

I think that’s really harsh indeed, there’s so much else to worry about and concentrate on you don’t want an extra pressure with someone asking you to lose weight after you’ve had your baby. Some very good points and I agree, be your natural best.

You look absolutely STUNNING. Your post baby body is something to embrace! I became obsessed with losing weight after I had Edie and I do think that contributed to me feeling so low and struggling at times! H x

I’m doing okay in the post baby body – I’m back into all my clothes not through excessive dieting just because I am. Although after my 6 week check I’ll be happy to start exercising and try to sort out the wobble. But I’m relaxed as and when, just as you say, we have grown mini humans and that’s amazing!! Cx

I was so lucky the first time round because I literally sprang straight back to normal after about a week. But I’m still struggling to get my prepregnancy body back. I’m not proud of my mummy look now.

After baby 3 I never got back to my pre-pregnancy weight and size and have learned to live with the fact that I will never get back to what I was without a serious amount of work which I don’t have time to put in

I just love that you have her placenta in the picture. I wish I had photographed Sophia’s it was beautiful her home for nearly 10 months. Especially because my sons was damaged and they wouldn’t even let me see it after his birth. I really don’t think there should be so much pressure to loose weight after baby it is quite sad really as new mums have enough pressure as it is xx

I must admit to really struggling with my post baby shape this time around. With my girls I ‘bounced’ back reasonably well. But this time round my c-section scar is awful, so much so my GP said that it ‘wasn’t going to win any cosmetic surgery awards’ while another said ‘it looks like they were in a rush to get a cup of tea.’ I also have a ridiculously wobbly tummy and my shape has changed. I don’t think I will go back to normal this time, but I am also in no rush to diet and exercise as I am enjoying my baby boy. xx

I am still working my way back to my pre-pregnancy weight after my first baby. It has been harder than I thought it would be – unsurprisingly chocolate for breakfast seems a good idea when you are shattered after being up half the night with a child!
In my experience no one has been rude or body shamed and it is more pressure from myself to get back to a size I am happy with. Partly this is just so I can fit into all the lovely clothes that I own…..
x
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